Local Government Finance Bill

The hon. Gentleman has been very vocal, so I shall make a little progress and perhaps give way in due course. Serious points were raised in debate, and I will do my best to respond to them, if I may. I accept some of the points made by the hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts) and the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) about the objective of, and a desire for, greater localisation, but that has not happened under the current system. Sadly, despite the fact that some Members would deny it, there is force to the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and others that perverse incentives in the current system sometimes lead to perverse behaviour, with more emphasis placed on ticking the boxes that can demonstrate need than harnessing the undoubted energies that local government has—[Interruption.] and in which I have faith to drive forward economic growth. [Interruption.] The hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) is, as usual, very vocal from a sedentary position, which is his more usual form of contribution to debate.